Shasta-Trinity National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Bio and photo released of James N. Ramage

James N. Ramage, age 63, is one of the nine fatalities of the Northern California helicopter crash that happened this past week on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Ramage, a helicopter pilot, had an outstanding career with both the US Forest Service and CAL Fire, California's state fire agency.

Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore said, "The US Forest Service was very fortunate to have Jim as part of our workforce and family. He was an aviation leader with extensive flying experience and knowledge."

Ramage's aviation career began as a helicopter pilot for the US Army from 1966 through 1970. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam. He also served and flew with Air America in Southeast Asia from 1970 to1974.

In 1974 he began his helicopter firefighting career with Evergreen Helicopter, Inc. and flew as a contract pilot for both the US Forest Service and CAL Fire until 1978. He then worked as a contract pilot for Redding Air Service in Redding, California, flying across the Western United States.

For 20 years, beginning in 1984, Ramage worked for CAL Fire. He was the first Forestry Pilot for CAL Fire and carried badge #1 for forestry pilots. He was then promoted to Air Operations Officer and served as CAL Fire Chief Helicopter Pilot and later Aviation Safety Officer until his retirement in 2003.

Ramage's love of firefighting and helicopters was so strong that after 11 days of retirement, he began working for the US Forest Service as helicopter inspector pilot working out of McClellan, California. In 2006, Ramage and his family moved back to Redding, California with the US Forest Service.

Born in Taft, California, Ramage had a passion for aviation. He dedicated himself and his career to help provide for the safety of others. Ramage was performing his duties as a helicopter inspector pilot at the time of the accident.

Ramage is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diane, and his 28-year old daughter Ginger.

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